More than a month after it was rocked by a tragic school shooting the community of La Loche, Sask. is trying to move past the devastation. On Friday, the high school opened its doors with additional security and new initiatives meant to make the school more welcoming.
“It happened. And it’s sad. But we’re going to heal inside. And then we’re going to move on,” said community member, Julius Park.
FULL COVERAGE: La Loche school shooting
The teachers say they’re looking forward to meeting with their students. But they also say the fateful day on Jan. 22 is too dark to think back on.
Four people were killed and seven others wounded when a youth started shooting, first at a home in the community and then inside the high school. He’ll be in back in La Loche court in April.
“I felt nervous. Fear. Probably lasted for a couple of minutes. But then I was okay. At least I thought I was okay or think I’m OK,” said Greg Hatch, vice principal at La Loche Community School.
“First re-entering the building, I was nervous, anxious, and I had to do a walk through. And as time went on … it’s becoming comfortable,” said Donna Janvier, another vice principal at the school.
Officials have continued to stress the importance of staff and students in La Loche feeling safe. The school will now have a community liaison officer, in addition to crime prevention officers in the community.
Students will have four periods of classes, instead of five. First period will be a daily breakfast program and parents are welcome to join. School staff say the goal is to make it more welcoming.
Both La Loche Community School and Ducharme Elementary School will have new entrances. Entrances have also been limited, to reassure parents their children are protected.
For those not ready to enter the building, satellite classrooms will be an option. So far, staff say one teacher has opted for this.
Michael Wolverine, a Dene community member, says while he’s happy to see La Loche getting the resources it needs, he wished it didn’t play out this way.
“It’s unfortunate that it took something like this to happen in order for the media and all the governments to recognize La Loche,” he said.
The province has pledged to support the community with long-term healthcare, infrastructure and resources. A recreation centre is also coming to the community.
Still, people in La Loche say more than anything, what they need is each other.
“We are the ones that are going to have to deal with the aftermath in 20 years time and we have a good group of people who will make sure that happens,” said Leanne Gailey, assistant principal at Ducharme Elementary School.
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